Amino acid table: functions, types and characteristics
Proteins (and amino acids) are one of the most popular macronutrients today , largely because foods rich in these molecules are part of many diets designed to lose weight (hypercaloric diets).
But leaving aside its benefits in weight loss and the improvement of body aesthetics, proteins are one of the bases of all life processes, since they are absolutely necessary for our body and their functions are several: they allow cells to defend themselves of external agents, control and regulate functions within our body, repair damages ...
- Related article: "The 20 types of proteins and their functions in the body"
Important amino acids for humans
The units with which proteins are constructed are amino acids (AA) , and although there are hundreds of amino acids that play an important role in nature, there are only 20 that are part of proteins (protein or canonical amino acids).
However, there are also other AAs, known as non-protein, that play a decisive role for the human being and that have their own function, for example GABA.
- You can know more about this neurotransmitter in our article: "GABA (neurotransmitter): what it is and what role it plays in the brain"
What are non-essential amino acids
The canonical amino acids are the raw material of proteins , but these can be classified in two ways: essential and non-essential. The main difference between these types of amino acids is that some of them are synthesized by the human body and others are not, so it is necessary to get them through the diet.
The first ones are the non-essential amino acids, while the second ones are the essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are just as important as essential ones. They participate in the construction of strong muscles, as well as in the maintenance of a healthy and productive brain.
Amino acid table
In the following lines you can find the 20 amino acids (essential and non-essential) which are part of the proteins, and we explain what their functions and characteristics are.
Types of essential amino acids
The protein amino acids that the body does not synthesize and, therefore, must be ingested through the diet are the following.
1. Phenylalanine
These amino acids are associated with the sensation of well-being, since they are endorphin regulators . Among its most important functions are the reduction of excess appetite and the reduction of pain.
Phenylalanine is also involved in the synthesis of catecholamines adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenaline, which promotes alertness, improves memory and learning and increases vitality. Supplements containing this amino acid can be used to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's, vitiligo, chronic pain or for the integral treatment of depression.
2. Isoleucine
The deficit of this amino acid seems to be involved in some mental and physical disorders : depression, alterations in behavior, decrease in muscle mass, etc. This AA is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and muscle tissue, and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. In addition, it helps in the healing of wounds, skin and bones.
3. Leucine
It is one of the 3 branched chain amino acids (BCAA) together with isoleucine and valine , which are involved in protein synthesis. It is a potent stimulator of insulin, it is necessary for the healing of wounds and the healing of bones. Modulates the release of enkephalins, which are natural analgesics.
4. Lysine
It inhibits the development of viruses within the body and, as a result, is used in the treatment of Herpes , as well as viruses associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Lysine participates in the synthesis of L-carnitine together with vitamin C.
It also helps to form collagen, the connective tissue present in bones, ligaments, tendons and joints. It favors calcium and, therefore, is essential for children, since it is essential for bone formation. It also participates in the production of hormones and lowers serum triglyceride levels.
5. Threonine
Threonine is necessary for the formation of collagen and helps in the production of antibodies . It is also necessary for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and can be converted into glycine. a neurotransmitter of the central nervous system.
6. Tryptophan
One of the amino acids most known to psychologists, since it is involved in the synthesis of serotonin and melanin . Therefore, it actively participates in the improvement of the mood and helps improve the quality of sleep.
- You can know more about this amino acid in our article: "Tryptophan: characteristics and functions of this amino acid"
7. Valine
This amino acid competes with tyrosine and tryptophan when crossing the blood-brain barrier . The higher the level of valine, the lower the levels of the other two AAs in the brain. Valine is actively absorbed and used directly by the muscle as a source of energy, therefore it is not processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream.
Valine deficiency causes the other amino acids (and proteins) to be absorbed in lesser amounts by the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Arginine
Arginine is essential for the normal activity of the immune system and for wound healing . It also participates in the release of growth hormone and increases the release of insulin and glucagon. It is a precursor of GABA, decreases the size of tumors and is necessary for spermatogenesis.
9. Histidine
Useful in the treatment of anemia due to its relationship with hemoglobin . It is a precursor of histamine and therefore has been used to treat allergy. It helps maintain the proper pH of the blood and has also been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
10. Methionine
Actively participates in the breakdown of fats and allows to reduce the cholesterol in the blood . It helps prevent hair, skin and nail disorders. It is an antioxidant and participates in the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Non-essential amino acids
The essential amino acids, that is, those synthesized by the human organism, are the following.
11. Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid increases endurance and physical performance and is good for chronic fatigue . It is one of the two main excitatory amino acids, the other is glutamic acid). It helps protect the liver, participates in the metabolism of DNA and RNA and improves the immune system.
12. Glutamic acid
Another of the excitatory amino acids, along with the previous, so they share many of the functions . Improves physical performance and reduces fatigue. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA and helps protect the body and improves the immune system.
13. Alanina
Alanine is important for muscle growth and is a great source of energy for the muscle . It intervenes in the metabolism of sugar, increases the immune system through the production of antibodies and is essential for connective tissue.
14. Asparagine
Asparagine is the union of aspartic acid with ATP (adenosine triphosphate) . It is involved in the process of short-term memory, helps to eliminate ammonia from the body, reduces fatigue and participates in the synthesis of DNA.
15. Cysteine
Cysteine is an antioxidant and protects against radiation , pollution, ultraviolet light and other phenomena that cause the production of free radicals. It acts as a natural "detox", and is essential for the growth, maintenance and repair of the skin and hair. It is a precursor of the amino acid taurine and chondroitin sulfate. The latter is the main component of cartilage.
16. Glycine
It is part of the structure of hemoglobin, and is one of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters of the nervous system (the other one is GABA). It is also part of the cytochromes, which are enzymes involved in the production of energy. It participates in the production of glucagon, which helps glycogen metabolism.
17. Glutamine
Glutamine is the precursor of two of the most important neurotransmitters in the CNS : glutamate and GABA. It allows to maintain normal and constant levels of blood sugar and is involved in muscle strength and endurance. Essential for gastrointestinal function.
18. Proline
Essential component of cartilage, and therefore is key to the health of joints, tendons and ligaments . It helps keep the heart strong. The main precursor of proline is glutamate. One of its most outstanding functions is that it keeps the skin and joints healthy.
19. Serine
Participates in the improvement of the immune system helping in the production of antibodies and immunoglobulins and participates in the development of myelin sheath. Serine is necessary for muscle growth and maintenance.
- Related article: "Myelin: definition, functions and characteristics"
20. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of the hormone thyroxine , which is involved in metabolic processes. It is also a precursor to the growth hormone and neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and serotonin, which improves mood, sleep, clarity of thought, concentration and memory.
